More than R $ 221 million is available for care for patients with obesity, diabetes and hypertension

The Ministry of Health has allocated more than R $ 221 million to expand early care and assistance for people with chronic non-communicable diseases (NCD) in the Unified Health System (SUS) during the fight against Covid-19. The provision was published with Regulation no. 2.994, in the Federal Official Gazette (DOU).

The goal is to strengthen primary health care (PHC) for patients with diabetes mellitus, systemic arterial hypertension and obesity, identify and register these beneficiaries, prioritize therapeutic care, and promote community health. To this end, the Ministry of Health has prepared documents that guide managers and health professionals in organizing care for these patients.

“The current situation confronts us with great challenges, including the increase in the frequency of deaths from chronic patients. Times like this require creativity and action to overcome old obstacles, and this is what we seek in the ordinance that encourages and strengthens early care for these people in primary care, ”says Primary Health Care Secretary Raphael Parente.

The sources also aim to prevent coronavirus transmission and prioritize care for these patients, due to the increased risk of disease symptoms worsening and increased chances of complications.

According to the director of health promotion, Juliana Rezende, resources should be used in actions that increase adherence to care over the period, taking into account local organization, social vulnerability, risk stratification and available logistical resources. “This will help reduce the chances of adverse clinical outcomes and ensure the clinical stability of these people,” says Juliana.